Abstract: An optical fiber strain sensor system and method are provided that use pre-formed optical structures instead of optical fibers for measuring the strain, or stress, placed on a subject object. The use of pre-formed optical structures in the optical strain gauge system eliminates many of the limitations associated with the use of optical fibers. Because the optical structures are pre-formed structures, they can be made with very tight tolerances to ensure high measurement accuracy and repeatability. The pre-formed structures can be made in low to high volume at low cost and can be made of a variety of materials to ensure that the structures are suitable for use with the material of which the subject object is made. Also, the pre-formed structures can be made very compact while achieving higher sensitivity and exhibiting less optical loss than fiber.

Abstract: An optical fiber strain sensor system and method are provided that use pre-formed optical structures instead of optical fibers for measuring the strain, or stress, placed on a subject object. The use of pre-formed optical structures in the optical strain gauge system eliminates many of the limitations associated with the use of optical fibers. Because the optical structures are pre-formed structures, they can be made with very tight tolerances to ensure high measurement accuracy and repeatability. The pre-formed structures can be made in low to high volume at low cost and can be made of a variety of materials to ensure that the structures are suitable for use with the material of which the subject object is made. Also, the pre-formed structures can be made very compact while achieving higher sensitivity and exhibiting less optical loss than fiber.

Abstract: An optical strain gauge, a transfer device for an optical strain gauge, and a test system are described. One instance of the disclosed transfer device includes a first and second gauge coupler that facilitate attachment to an optical strain gauge. The disclosed transfer device enables an optical strain gauge to be easily moved from one location to another; for example from a location of manufacture, testing, or calibration, to an object to be tested with the strain gauge or from one object to another object.

Abstract: An optical strain gauge, a transfer device for an optical strain gauge, and a test system are described. One instance of the disclosed transfer device includes a first and second gauge coupler that facilitate attachment to an optical strain gauge. The disclosed transfer device enables an optical strain gauge to be easily moved from one location to another; for example from a location of manufacture, testing, or calibration, to an object to be tested with the strain gauge or from one object to another object.